How often should the DIDEA process be rehearsed or practiced?

The DIDEA process, which stands for Detect, Identify, Decide, Engage, and Assess, is critical for maintaining effective direct fire engagement skills. Regular rehearsal and practice of this process are essential for several reasons.

Firstly, continuous practice allows personnel to maintain proficiency in the necessary skills to respond effectively during actual engagements. The dynamic nature of combat requires soldiers to be able to quickly and accurately execute each step of the DIDEA process under varying conditions. Regular rehearsals also reinforce muscle memory and decision-making processes, which can be crucial in high-stress situations.

Secondly, through frequent practice, teams can identify any weaknesses or gaps in their execution of the DIDEA process. This ongoing evaluation can lead to improvements in tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring that soldiers are always operating at their highest capability.

In addition, regular training fosters better communication and cohesion within the unit. When all team members are well-versed in the DIDEA process, this enables smoother operations and reinforces trust among soldiers, which is vital for effective teamwork in combat scenarios.

In contrast, limiting practice to only annual training sessions, only when acquiring new equipment, or infrequently based on availability would reduce soldiers' confidence and readiness. This could lead to skill degradation over time and